Tenderness in breast - mastitis (what should I do?)

[G1nger]

I have developed some tenderness in my breast tonight. It's possible it's a pulled muscle, but probably more likely to be the beginning of mastitis.

What - if anything - should I do tonight, please? Should I also go to the GP tomorrow or is it too early? Thank you x

Act quickly, do everything you can to keep the milk flowing - feed baby or express. Maybe massage affected area while you are feeding - or you can try combing your breast to shift a blockage.
Might just be a blocked duct - mastitis makes me feel as though I have the flu, and my breast is always briight red. But even if it is "just" aa blocked duct you still want to make the milk flow to clear it.

Thank you, Cinnamon. Would you mind describing how to 'comb' the breast, please? Is it to drag my fingers down towards the nipple, or...? Thank you x

I had mastitis about four times whilst feeding my DD. Usually it comes with a red mark on the breast and flu like symptoms. Pain killers and warm compresses, or a warm bath, can help. Keep feeding from that boob and if it is mastitis go to the doctors tomorrow and get antibiotics. Hope it gets better soon.

An actual comb, for your hair. I would do it in the shower, just gently comb towards your nipple.

Thank you, both x

Feed as much as poss overnight. If your boob goes hard or red and/or you feel unwell with flu-type symptoms, get to the doc immediately. Mastitis is really nasty and not to be messed with!

Feed feed feed!

Thank you, ladies. I have since been given antibiotics by the GP as I feel rough as old boots today. Thank you all for the advice.

Get well soon. I was given antibiotics last Friday and felt much better by Monday. Keep feeding, massaging, hot flanneling etc.

Thanks, AJ. Glad to hear you're feeling better. I am physically quite a bit better and trying not to get stressed about a (temporary, I hope) fall in milk production.